Vehicle for transporting a container

ABSTRACT

A vehicle for loading, unloading and tipping a container comprises a first frame pivoted at the rear of the vehicle on a bedframe, and extending (normally) forwardly from the pivot underneath the container when loaded, a second frame or second members pivoted to the first frame and extending forwardly thereof under the container, an L-shaped third member having the outer end of its horizontal limb pivoted to the second frame members underneath the container and its upright limb provided with at least one hook to attach to the container, with the upright limb in front of the container, two tie-rods-cum-struts pivoted at their front ends to the upright limb and at their rear ends to the rear end of a hydraulic ram, the front end of the ram being connected to the bedframe, the ram also being connected with the second frame or members, so that the one ram can both pivot the third member relative to the second frame or members and also pivot the second frame or members and the third member as one unit relative to the first frame or (when the second frame or members and the first frame are in fixed relationship due to engagement with the container) pivot the first frame, second frame or members, third member and container as one unit relative to the bedframe for tipping.

nited States Patent r191 acltrill et al.

[541 VEHICLE ron TRANSPORTING A CONTAINER [75] Inventors: DavidMaclrrill; Denis Cecil John Carpenter; Michael John Howard, 'all of BurySt. Edmunds, England [73] Assignee: Sheppard Equipment Limited,

Barnham, Norfolk, England [22] Filed: Dec. 7, 1972 [21] Appl. No.:313,165

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data [58] Field of Search 214/515,516, 5117, 77 R, 214/315, 313; 298/110, 11, 12, 13

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,174,630 3/1965 Tantlingeret al .L 214/77 R 3,586,189 6/197] Tornheim 214/515 PrimaryExaminer-Albert J. Makay Assistant Examiner-Lawrence J. Oresky Attorney,Agent, or Firm-Cushman, Darby 81. Cushman [1'11 7 3,825,137 [451,luly23,1974

[5 7] ABSTRACT A vehicle for loading, unloading and tipping a containercomprises a first frame pivoted at the rear of the vehicle on abedframe, and extending (normally) forwardly from the pivot underneaththe container when loaded, a second frame or second members pivoted tothe first frame and extending forwardly thereof under the container, anL-shaped third member having the outer end of its horizontal limbpivoted to the second frame members underneath the container and itsupright limb provided with at least one hook to attach to the container,with the upright limb in front of the container, two tierods-cum-strutspivoted at their front ends to the upright limb and at their rear endsto the rear end of a hydraulic ram, the front end of the ram beingconnected to the bedframe, the ram also being connected with the secondframe or members, so that the one ram can both pivot the third memberrelative to the second frame or members and also pivot the second frameor members and the third member as one unit relative to the first frameor (when the second frame or members and the first frame are in fixedrelationship due to engagement with the container) pivot the firstframe, second frame or members, third member and container as one unitrelative to the bedframe for tipping 18 Claims, l0 D r awing FiguresPATENTEBJUL23I974 SHEET 1 0F 9 v wean? PATENTED JUL 2 31974 SHEET 3 OF 9PATENTEU JUL23 I974 SHEET 7 [IF 9 1 VEHICLE FOR TRANSPORTING A CONTAINERThis invention relates to a vehicle for transporting a container.

According to the invention there is provided a vehicle for transportinga container, the vehicle comprising a motorised mechanism for moving thecontainer on to the vehicle over an end or a side of the vehicle,tipping the container and moving the container off the vehicle over theend or side of the vehicle, the mechanism comprising at least one firstmember pivotally mounted at or adjacent the end or side of the vehicle;comprising at least one second member pivotally connected to the atleast one first member, comprising at least one third member pivotallyconnected to the at least one second member, the or each third memberbeing attachable to the container for the movement of the container onto and off the vehicle by pivotal movement of the at least one secondmember together with the at least one third member relative to the atleast one first member comprising at least one fourth member and atleast one fifth member and comprising motor means, the at least onefourth member being pivotally connected to the at least one thirdmember, the at least one fourth member also being connected to the atleast one fifth member, the at least one fifth member in turn beingpivotally attached to or slidably engaged with the at least one secondmember such that pivotal or sliding movement of the at least one fifthmember relative to the at least one second member produced by the motormeans causes linear translation of the at least one fourth memberrelative to the at least one second member, in turn causing interrelatedpivotal motion of the at least one third member relative to the at leastone second member so as to move the container relative to the or eachsecond member and cause interlocking engagement between correspondingportions of the or each second member and the container, such that thecontainer and the first, second and third members together with thefourth and fifth members can be tipped by the motor means by pivotalmovement as one about the pivotal'mounting of the or each first member.

The invention will be described by way of examples with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a first vehicle for transporting acontainershowing the container in full lines in the travelling position and indotted lines (this position being rearward of that shown in full lines)in an intermediate position during the loading and unloading phases inaccordance with the invention; (Note: in this figure a rear sidesubframe side member 7 is omitted for clarity).

FIG. 2 is a further side view of the vehicle for transporting acontainer shown in FIG. 1 showing the container in full. lines in theposition of initial lift for on loading on to the vehicle (this positionalso corresponds to the final position of the container during offloading from the vehicle) and in dotted lines in the tipped position; I

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the vehicle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with thecontainer removed; and

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part of the mechanism of the vehicle shownin FIGS. 1, 2 and 3;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a second vehicle for transporting a containershowing the container in full lines in a travelling position and indotted lines (this position being rearward of that shown in full lines)in an intermediate position during the loading and unloading phases inaccordance with the invention (note: in this figure a nearside subframeside member 78 is omitted for clarity);

FIG. 6 is a further side view of the vehicle for transporting acontainer shown in FIG. 5, showing the container in full lines in aposition of initial lift for onloading on to the vehicle, (this positionalso corresponds to a final position of the container during offloadingfrom the vehicle,) and in dotted lines in the tipped position; and

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the vehicleshown in FIGS. 5 and 6 with thecontainer removed;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a third vehicle for transporting a containershowing the container in full lines in a travelling position and indotted lines (this position being rearward of that shown in full lines)in an intermediate position during the loading and unloading phases inaccordance with the invention (note: in this figure a nearside subframeside member 7C is omitted for clarity);

F IG. 9 is a further side view of the vehicle for transporting acontainer shown in FIG. 8, showing the container in full lines in aposition of initial lift for onloading on to the vehicle, (this positionalso corresponds to a final position of the container during offloadingfrom the vehicle,) and in dotted lines in the tipped position; and

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the vehicle shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 withthecontainer removed.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 of the drawings, the first vehicle having achassis 1 which is fitted with a fabricated subframe assembly 2, formingpart of a motorised mechanism for moving a container 3 on to the vehicleover the rear end of the vehicle, tipping the container and moving thecontainer off the vehicle over the rear end of the vehicle. Themechanism comprises, at the rear end of the subframe 2, which is at therear end of the vehicle, a rear cross member 4 on each end of which is astub axle 5 carrying flanged roller wheels 6.

Forward of the rear cross member 4 and mounted in side members 7 of thesubframe 2 are two pivot pins 8. On inner ends of the pins 8and betweenthe side member 7 of the subframe 2 are pivotally mounted twosideby-side first members interconnected by cross members to form atrapezium-shaped first frame 9. At the forward ends of the two firstmembers are two further pivot pins 10 whereby two side-by-side secondmembers 11 are pivotally connected to the first frame 9. When the firstframe 9 is in the position shown, (except the tip position of FIG. 2,)it is supported at its forward end by laterally projecting lugs 12,fixed to the first members, resting on bearing pads 13 which are in turncarried laterally by the side members 7 of the subframe The twoside-by-side second members 11 are interconnected by cross members toform a second frame 14. In addition to the pins 10 pivotally connectingthe second frame to the first frame, each side member 11 of the secondframe 14 carries two further pivot pins 15 and 16. Pivot pins 16 are atthe forward end of the frame 14 and pivot pins 15 are at an intermediateposition along the frame between the pivot pins 10 and 16. At theforward end of the second frame 14 and pivotally connected to the secondframe by pivot pins 16 is a (normally) horizontal portion of a thirdmember 17.

From the forward end of the horizontal portion of the third member 17 a(normally) upright portion of member 17 extends (normally) upwardly fromthe horizontal portion. At the top of the upright portion the thirdmember 17 comprises a hook 18 for connection to a lifting bar 19 at afront end of the container 3.

A pair of (normally) upright levers 20 forming socalled fifth membersare pivotally connected to the second frame 14 by the intermediateposition pivot pins 15. At the upper end of each lever 20 a pivot pin 21on the respective lever 20 connects the upper end of the respectivelever 20 to the rear end of a respective one of two (normally)horizontal rods 22 forming so-called fourth members, the rods runningforwardly to connect pivotally through pins 23 to the rear end of thehorizontal portion of the third member 17. At an intermediate positionalong each of the levers 20 and between its upper and lower ends ismounted a respective third pivot pin 24. The pin 24 carries the rearwardend of an hydraulic ram motor" 25, the ram running forwardly to afurther connection point at pivot pin 26 on a front cross member 27 ofthe subframe 2. A selectively operable variable back-stop, shown by wayof example in the form of a cam 28 mounted on the second frame 14,controls the limits of the pivotal movement of the levers 20 in relationto the second frame.

In the travelling position, the forward end of the second frame 14 issupported by a cross member 29 mounted in the subframe 2, and the thirdmember 17 is supported at the bottom of its (normally) upright portionby pads 30 mounted on the upper face of the subframe front cross member27.

Hydraulic power for the ram 25 is supplied by an hydraulic pump 31driven by a cardan shaft 32 from a drive transmission gearbox 33 of thevehicle. Distribution of the oil flow from the pump 31 to the ram isselectively controlled by means of a control valve 34.

The container 3 is specially adapted for transportation by the vehicle.In addition to the lifting bar 19, the container has a base, (thelifting bar being higher than the base) which is supported bythe secondframe 14 of the motorised mechanism of the vehicle when the container isbeing tipped. In the travelling position, the container is supported bythe flanged wheels 6 and support pads 35 mounted on the subframe 2.

In order to move the container 3 on to the vehicle over the rear end ofthe vehicle, the container 3 is initially sited on the groundimmediately behind the vehicle, as shown at FIG. 2. The ram 24 isextended, initially moving the levers 20 from position A to position B,shown in FIG. 4, relative to the second frame 14, which in turn throughthe translation of the rods 22 moves the third member 17 from position Cto position D, shown in FIG. 1, relative to the second frame, andsubsequently pivoting the complete assembly of the second frame 14 andthird frame 17 about pivot pins relative to the first frame 9 to reachposition E shown in FIG. 2, where the hook 18 can be engaged with thelifitng bar 19 of the container 3.

The ram 25 is then retracted, pivoting the assembly of the second andthird frames about pins 10, to lift and move the container 3 upwards andforwards relative to the vehicle to reach the position D shown in dottedlines on FIG. 1, with the upright portion of the third member 17 infront of the front end of the container 3. During this movement,longitudinally extending tracks formed by under-frame members 36 of thecontainer 3 run on the flanged wheels 6. When the container has reachedthe position D, further retraction of the ram 25 causes, via the levers20 and the rods 22, the third member 17 to pivot about pins 16 relativeto the second frame 14 to move the container to the travelling positionC shown in full lines in FIG. 1. As the container moves forwards fromposition D to position C, two rearwardly projecting cantilever arms 37carried by a cross member 38 interconnecting the two side-byside secondmembers 11 pass along respective longitudinally extending clearwaysalong the base of the container 3 until the undersides of the arms 37engage with the topsides of respective laterally extending portions 39of the container base.

The engagement of the arms 37 with the laterally extending portions 39of the container base prevents the second frame 14 from pivotingrelative to the first frame 9 about the pivot pins 10. Thus if thevariable backstop 28 is operated to a selectable position such thatpivotal movement of the levers 20 relative to the second frame 14 isprevented, thereby preventing movement of the container 3 relative tothe second frame 14, extension of the hydraulic ram 25 will cause thefirst frame 9, second frame 14, third frame 17 and the container topivot as one, that is to say, as a whole, as a rigid assembly about thepivot pins 8, to cause tipping of the container 3 to the position Fshown in dotted lines in FIG. 2, for the container to discharge itscontents through the openable rear end of the container. Upon retractionof the ram 25, the container 3 is lowered again to position C of FIG. 1.

To unload the container 3 from the vehicle, the back stop 28 position isre-selected to permit the levers 20 to pivot relative to the secondframe 14, thus allowing the container to move relative to the secondframe on extension of the hydraulic ram 25, to disengage the cantileverarms 37 from the container 3 and allow the container to move rearwardsand downwards relative to the vehicle by pivotal movement of the secondand third frames 14 and 17 respectively, relative to the first frame 9,that is to say a complete reversal of the loading cycle.

It will be appreciated that the motorised mechanism might be scaled downand turned through for moving a correspondingly smaller container on tothe vehicle over the side of the vehicle, tipping the container andmoving the container off the vehicle over the side of the vehicle. Forexample there might be a plurality of such mechanisms for acorresponding number of containers on one vehicle.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7 of the drawings, the second vehicle is acommercial vehicle having a chassis 1B which is fitted with a fabricatedsub-frame assembly 28 forming part of a motorised mechanism for movingcontainer 3B on to the vehicle over the rear end of the vehicle, tippingthe container and moving the container off the vehicle over the rear endof the vehicle. The mechanism comprises, at the rear end of thesub-frame 2B, which is at the rear end of the vehicle, a rear crossmember 4B on each end of which are stub axles 53 carrying flanged wheels68. Forward of the rear cross member 48 of the sub-frame 2B are sidemembers 78 of the sub-frame 28. Two pivot pins 8B project laterallyinwards from the side members 7B. On the inner ends of the pivot pins 8Band between the side members 7B of the sub-frame 2B are pivotallymounted two side-byside first members inter-connected by cross membersto form a trapezium-shaped first frame 9B. At the forward end of thefirst frame 9B are two further pivot pins 10B whereby two side-by-sidesecond members 118 are pivotally connected to the first frame 98. Whenthe first frame 98 is in the. position shown (except the tipped positionof FIG. 6,) it is supported at its forward end by laterally projectinglugs 12B fixed to the side-by-side first members and resting on theupper faces of the side members 78 of the sub-frame 2B.

The two side-by-side second members lllB are interconnected at theirforward ends by a cross shaft MB to form a second frame 15B. In additionto the pivot pins 10B pivotally connecting the second frame to the firstframe, each side member 11B of the second'frame 158 carries two furtherpivot pins 168 and 17B. Pivot pins 16B are at an intermediate positionalong the frame 15B between pivot pins 108 and cross shaft 14B; pivotpins 17B are at an intermediate position along the frame 158 betweenpivot pins 16B and pivot pins 10B. At the forward end of the secondframe 15B and pivotally connected to the second frame by the cross shaft14B is a (normally) horizontal portion of a third member 188. From theforward end of the horizontal portion of the third member 18B (andforward of cross shaft 14B) a (normally) upright portion of member 188extends upwardly from the horizontal portion. At the top of the uprightportion the third member 18B comprises a hook 198 for connection to alifing bar 20B at the upper front endof the container 38.

A pair of (normally) upright levers 21B forming tw'o so-called fifthmembers, are pivotally connected to the second frame 158 by theintermediate position pivot pins 168. The upper ends of the two levers21B are interconnected by a cross shaft 22B which forms a pivotalattachment for the rearward end of an hydraulic ram motor 238 the ramrunning forwardly to a further connection point at pivot pin 24B onafront cross member 258 of the sub-frame 28. At the lower end of each ofthe upright levers 21B is a respective pivot pin 44B positioned suchthat pivot pin 16B on the lever 21B is intermediate pivot pins 228 and448. Also on the rearward face of each of the levers 21B is a concavesemi-circular cup 418.

Pivotally connected to levers 21B by pivot pins 448 are twotie-rods-cum-struts 26B forming two so-called fourth members, runningforwardly to connect with third member 188 at pivot pins 278. The outerends of pivot pins 178 on the second frame 15B each carry levers 28B.Levers 28B are on the outside of second member 158 and each carry, atthe end opposite to the pivot pin 178, a roller 30B. In the travellingposition roller 30B engages the upper surface of side members 78 of thesub-frame 2B.

The inner ends of pivot shafts 17B carry levers 298 which areintermediate side members 118 of the second frame 15B. At the ends oflevers 29B opposite to pivot pins 17B are mounted rollers 31B. Springs(not shown) are fitted between levers 28B and side members 118 in adisposition such as to cause levers 29B to tend to rotate so as to swingrollers 31B towards the le vers 21B. v

In the travelling position the forward end of the second frame 15B issupported by stops 32B abutting the underside of side members 11B, andthe third member 18B is supported at the underside of its (normally)upright portion by a pad 333 carried on the upper face of the sub-framefront cross member 25B. Pivotal motion I 6 of the two (normally) uprightlevers 21B about pivot pins 163 relative to the second frame 15B, islimited by abutments (not shown) mounted laterally on the lower ends ofthe levers 21B and corresponding shoulders (not shown) on the innerfaces of the side members 11B of the second frame 15B.

The (normally) upright portion of third frame 18B carries a pivot shaft34B intermediate the hook 193 and the (normally) horizontal portion. Atthe outer endsof pivot shaft 34B are mounted hooks 35B which can beselectively engaged with pins 368 on the front of container 3B. Thehooks 35B are retained in their extreme operating positions by overcentre springs and rockers (not shown) operating on pivot shaft 34B.

Hydraulic power for the ram 23B is supplied by a hydraulic pump 42Bdriven from a transmission gearbox of the vehicle. Distribution of theoil flow from the pump 42B to the ram is selectively controlled by meansof an hydraulic directional control system (not shown).

The container 3B is specially adapted for transportation by the vehicle.In addition to the lifting bar 20B the container has a base 37B, (thelifting bar being higher than the base) which is supported bylongitudinal frame members 388 which in turnsubtend or support laterallyprojecting portions 39B intermediate the two longitudinals 388. In thetravelling position, the container is supported by the flanged wheels 6Band support pads 43B mounted on the sub-frame 2B and, during tipping,the container is supported by the flanged wheels 63 and the second frame153 reacting on the base 378 of the container.

In order to move the container 3B on to the vehicle over the rear end ofthe vehicle, the container 38 is initially sited on the groundimmediately behind the vehicle as shown by the full lines at FIG. 6. Theram 238 is extended, initially rotating the levers 218 relative to thesecond frame 158 about pivot pins 16 from position A to position B shownin FIG. 5,.which in turn, through the lateral translation of thetie-rods-struts 26B, causes pivotal movement of the third frame 18B,about cross shaft-14B relative to the second frame 15B,

" from position C to position D shown at FIG. 5 and semi-circular cups41B of the (normally) upright levers subsequently, after abutment of thestops on levers 21B, with theshoulders on the side members 11B ofsecond'frame 15B, pivoting the complete assembly of the second frame 158and the third frame 18B about pivot pins 108 relative to the first frame93, to reach position E shown in FIG. 6, when the hook 19B can beengaged with the lifting bar 208 of the container 3B. As the initialpivotal movement of the second frame 15B relative to the first frame 98takes place, the axis of the pivot shaft 17B carrying levers 28B and 29Bmoves away upwardly from the sub-frame side members 73, thus permittingthe bias of the springs, (not shown) fitted between the side members 118and the levers 288, to pivotally rotate the two like assemblies eachcomprising pivot shaft 17B, lever 38B with roller 30B and lever 39B withroller 31B relative to the side members 11B so as to cause rollers 31Bto engage the concave 218, thus preventing any pivotal movement oflevers 21B relative to the second frame 15B about pivot pins 16B. 7

The ram 23B is then retracted, pivoting the assembly of the second andthird frames about pins 108 to lift and move the container 38 upwardsand forwards relative to the vehicle to reach the position D shown indotted lines on FIG. with the (normally) upright portion of the thirdframe 188 in front of the front end of the container 38.

During this movement, longitudinally extending tracks formed byunder-frame members 38B of the container 33 run on the flanged wheels6B. Immediately prior to the container 3B reaching position D', therollers 30B strike the upper face of the side members 78 of thesub-frame 28, causing partial rotation of the two like assemblies, eachcomprising pivot shaft 178, lever 288 with roller 30B and lever 298 withroller 318, about pivot 178 relative to the second frame 158, andagainst the bias of the springs, so as to disengage rollers 318 fromconcave cups 41B, thus permitting levers 218 to pivot relative to thesecond frame B. When the container has reached the position D, furtherretraction of the ram 233 causes, via the levers 21B and thetie-rods-struts 268, the third member 188 to pivot about cross shaft 148relative to the second frame 158 to move the container to the travellingposition C shown in full lines in FIG. 5. As the container movesforward, following the movement of the (normally) upright portion of thethird member 18B from position D to position C, two rearwardlyprojecting cantilever arms 40B carried by side members 11B of the secondframe 15B pass along respective longitudinally extending clearways alongthe base of the container 38 until the undersides of the arms 40B engagewith the top sides of the respective laterally extending portions 398 ofthe container base. The engagement of the arms 408 with the laterallyextending portions 398 of the container base prevents the second frame158 from pivoting relative to the first frame 9B about the pivot pins108.

Rotation of the cross shaft 348 relative to third frame 188 causes thelocking hooks 35B to engage with laterally extending bars 368 on thefront of the container 38, thus preventing movement of the container 38relative to the second frame 158.

Extension of the hydraulic ram 238 will now cause the'first frame 98,the second frame 158, the third frame 188 and the container to pivot asone, that is to say, as a whole, as a rigid assembly about the pivotpins 88 to cause tipping of the container 38 to the position F shown indotted lines in FIG. 6, for the container to discharge its contentsthrough the openable rear end of the container.

Upon retraction of the ram 23B the container 38 is lowered again toposition C, FIG. 5.

To unload the container 38 from the vehicle, the locking hooks 35B arerotated to the release position shown in FIG. 5, thus permitting thethird frame 188 to pivot relative to the second frame 158, allowing thecontainer to move relative to the second frame on extension of thehydraulic ram 23B, to disengage the can-v tilever arms 408 from thecontainer 3B and allow the container to move rearwards and downwardsrelative to the vehicle by pivotal movement of the second and thirdframes 15B and 188 relative to the first frame 98, that is to say, acomplete reversal of the loading cycle.

It will be appreciated that the operation of tipping the container maybe achieved in an alternative fashion. Instead of using locking hooks35B pivotally mounted on cross shaft 348 to the third frame 188 toengage lateral pins 368 on the container 38, a selectively operablevariable back stop (not shown) may be used to engage levers 218 byselective means, thus preventing rotation of levers 218 relative to thesecond frame 158 and thereby preventing movement of the container 38relative to the second frame 158 and causing, by extension of thehydraulic cylinder 233, the first frame 98, second frame 158, thirdframe 188 and the container to pivot as one, that is to say, as a whole,as a rigid assembly about the pivot pins 8B to causing tipping of thecontainer 3B to the position F shown in dotted lines in FIG. 6, for thecontainer to discharge its contents through the openable rear end of thecontainer.

It will also be appreciated that the motorised mechanism might be scaleddown and turn through about a vertical axis for moving a correspondingsmaller container on to the vehicle over the side of the vehicle,tipping the container and moving the container off the ve hicle over theside of the vehicle.

Also there might be a plurality of such mechanisms for a correspondingnumber of containers on one vehicle.

It is contemplated that the vehicle of FIGS. 1 to 4 might be modified tohave a pivot shaft and hooks engageable with pins on the front of thecontainer, equivalent to the pivot shaft 348, hooks 35B and pins 368 ofthe second vehicle, in place of the variable backstop 28.

The backstop, not shown, referred to above as an alternative for thesecond embodiment to the pivot shaft 348, hooks 35B and pins 368 might,for example, be similar to the backstop 28 of the mechanism described inthe first embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10 of the drawings, the third vehicle is acommercial vehicle having a chassis 1C which is fitted with a fabricatedsub-frame assembly 2C forming part of a motorised mechanism for movingcontainer SC on to the vehicle over the rear end of the vehicle, tippingthe container and moving the container off the vehicle over the rear endof the vehicle. The mechanism comprises, at the rear end of thesub-frame 2C, which is at the rear end of the vehicle, a rear crossmember 4C on each end of which are stub axles 5C carrying flanged wheels6C. Forward of the rear cross member 4C of the sub-frame 2C are sidemembers 7C of the sub-frame 2C. Two pivot pins 8C project laterallyinwards from the side members 7C. On the inner ends of the pivot pins 8Cand between the side members 7C of the sub-frame 2C are pivotallymounted two side-by-side first members inter-connected by cross membersto form a trapezium-shaped first frame 9C. At the forward end of thefirst frame 9C is a further pivot pin 10C whereby two side-by-sidesecond members 11C are pivotally connected to the first frame 9C. Whenthe first frame 9C is in the position shown (except the tipped positionof FIG. 9.) it is supported at its forward end by laterally projectinglugs 12C fixed to the side-by-side first members and resting onabutements 13C fixed to the inside faces of the side members 7C of thesub-frame 2C.

The two side-by-side second members 11C are interconnected intermediatetheir forward and rear ends by a cross member 14C to form a second frame15C. In addition to the pivot pin 10C pivotally connecting the secondframe to the first frame, each side member 11C of the second frame 15Ccarries at its forward end a respective one of two further pivot pins16C. At its forward end the second frame 15C is pivotally connnected.via pivotpins 16C tothe horizontal portion of a third member 18C. Fromtheforward end of the horizontal portion of the third member 18C (andforward of pivot pins 16C) a (normally) upright portion of the thirdmember 18C extends upwardly from the .horizontal portion. At the top ofthe upright portion the third member 18C comprises a hook 19C forconnection to a lifting bar 20C at the upper front end of the container3C.

A cross-shaft 21C forming a so-called fifth member, is slidably engagedin slots 22C in the second frame 15C. The cross-shaft 21C forms apivotal attachment for the rearward end of an hydraulic ram motor 23C,the ram running forwardly to a further connection point at pivot pin 24Con a front cross member 25C of the sub-frame 2C.

Pivotally connected to cross-shaft 21C are two tierods-cum-struts 26Cforming two so-called fourth members, running forwardly to connect withthird member 18C at pivot pins 27C.

In the travelling position, the forward end of the second frame 15C issupported by stops 32C abutting the underside of side members 11C, andthe third member 18C is supported at the underside of its (normally)upright portion by a pad 33C carried on the upper face of the sub-framefront cross member 25C.

Hydraulic power for the ram 23C is supplied by a hydraulic pump 42Cdriven from a transmission gearbox of the vehicle. Distribution of theoil flow from the pump 42C to the ram is selectively controlled bymeansof an hydraulic directional control system (not shown).

A locking device is provided for regulating sliding of cross-shaft 21Cin the slots 22C. This locking device is in the form of two rotatableslotted sleeves 34C, (omitted from FIGS. 8 and 10), located at one endof each of slots 22C. In one position of sleeves 34C, the crossshaft 21Cis free to slide from one end to the other end of each of the slots 22C,by virtue of registration between the sleeve slots and slots 22C. Inanother position of sleeves 34C, the cross-shaft 21C is either heldwithin sleeves 34C, at the corresponding ends of slots 22C, or is keptoutside-sleeves 34C at the opposite ends of slots 22C, bynon-registration of the sleeve slots with slots 22C.

The container 3C is specially adapted for transportation by the vehicle.In addition to the lifting bar 20C the container has a base 37C, (thelifting bar being higher than the base) which is supported bylongitudinal frame members 38C which in turn subtend or supportlaterally projecting portions 39C intermediate the two longitudinals38C. In'the travelling position, the container is supported by theflanged wheels 6C and support pads 43C mounted on the subframe 2C and,during tipping, the container is supported by the flanged wheels 6C andthe second frame 15C reacting on the base 37C of the container.

In order to move the container SC on to the vehicle over the rear end ofthe vehicle, the container 3C is initially sited on the groundimmediately behind the vehicle as shown by the full lines at FIG. 9. Theram 23C is extended, initially sliding the cross-shaft 21C in slots 22Cin the second frame 15C from position A" shown in FIG. 8 to position B"shown in FIG. 9, which in turn, ""vg the lateral translation of thetie-rods-struts 26C, causes pivotal movement of the third frame 13C,about pivots MC relative to the second frame MC,

subsequently, after abutment of the cross-shaft 21C with ends B" ofslots 22C in the side members 11C of secondframe 15C, pivoting thecomplete assembly of the second frame 15C and the third frame 18C aboutpivot pin 10C relative to the first frame 9C to reach position E" shownin FIG. 9 when the hook 19C can be engaged with the lifting bar 20C ofthe container 3C. As the initial pivotal movement of the second frame15C relative to the first frame 9C takes place, the slot ted sleeves 34Crotate, for example due to spring bias, tomove the sleeve slots out ofregister with slots 22C, thus preventing cross-shaft 21C for the timebeing from returning to position A" from position 8', thus preventingany pivotal movement of third frame 18C relative to the second frame15C.

The ram 23C is then retracted, pivoting the assembly of the second andthird frames about pin 10C to lift and move the container 3C upwards andforwards relative to the vehicle to reach the position D" shown indotted lines on FIG. 8 with the (normally) upright portion of the thirdframe 18C in front of the front end of the container 3C.

During this movement, longitudinally extending tracks formed byunder-frame members 38C of the container 3C run on the flanged wheels6C. Immediately prior to the container 3C reaching position D, theslotted sleeves 34C are rotated by means of a suitable device, (such asa cam or lever,) not shown, to bring the sleeve slotsback into registerwith slots 22C, against the spring bias, thus permitting cross-shaft 21Cto move from position B" to position A. When the container 3C hasreached the position D, further re traction of the ram 23C causes, viathe cross-shaft 21C and the tie-rods-struts 26C, the third member 18C topivot about pivot pins 14C relative to the second frame 15C to move thecontainer to the travelling position C" shown in full lines in FIG. 8.As the container moves forward, following the movement of the (normally)uprightportion of the third member 18C from position D to position C",two rearwardly projecting cantilever arms 40C carried by cross member14C of the second frame 15C pass along respective longitudinallyextending clearways along the base of the container 3C until theundersides of the arms 40C engage with the top sides of the respectivelaterally extending portions 39C of the container base. The engagementof the arms 40C with the laterally extending portions 39C of thecontainer base prevents the second frame 15C from pivoting relative tothe first frame 9C about the pivot arm 10C.

Rotation of slotted sleeves 34C to deregister the sleeve slots fromslots 22C and hence keep cross-shaft 21C in position A"' preventsmovement of the container 3C relative to the second frame 15C.

Extension of the hydraulic ram 23C will now cause the first frame 9C,the second frame 15C, the third frame 18C and the container to pivot asone, that is to say, as a whole, as a rigid assembly about the pivotpins 8C to cause tipping of the container 3C to the position F shown indotted lines in FIG. 9, for the container to discharge its contentsthrough the openable rear end of the container. Upon retraction of theram 23C, the container 3C is lowered again to position C", FIG. 8.

To unload the container 3C from the vehicle, the slotted sleeves MC arerotated to re-register the sleeve slots with slots 22C, thus permittingthe third frame 18C to pivot relative to the second frame 15C, allowingthe container to move relative to the second frame on extension of thehydraulic ram 23C, to disengage the cantilever arms 40C from thecontainer 3C and allow the container to move rearwards and downwardsrelative to the vehicle by pivotal movement of the second and thirdframes 15C and 18C relative to the first frame 9C, that is to say, acomplete reversal of the loading cycle.

What we claim is:

l. A vehicle for transporting a container, the vehicle comprising amotorised mechanism for moving the container onto the vehicle over anyone side of the vehicle, tipping the container and moving the containeroff the vehicle over said side of the vehicle, the mechanism comprisingat least one first member pivotally mounted close to the said side ofthe vehicle; comprising at least one second member pivotally connectedto the at least one first member, comprising at least one third memberpivotally connected to the at least one second member, each third memberbeing attachable to the container for the movement of the container ontoand off the vehicle by pivotal movement of the at least one secondmember together with the at least one third member relative to the atleast one first member, comprising at least one fourth member and atleast one fifth member and comprising motor means, the at least onefourth member being pivotally connected to the at least one thirdmember, the at least one fourth member also being connected to the atleast one fifth member,

the at least one fifth member in turn being movably attached forrelative movement with the at least one second member such that movementof the at least one fifth member relative to the at least one secondmember produced by the motor'means causes linear translation of the atleast one fourth member relative to the at least one second member, inturnng causing interrelated pivotal motion of the at least one thirdmember relative to the at least one second member so as to move thecontainer relative to each second member and causing inter-lockingengagement between corresponding portions of each second member and thecontainer, such that the container and the first, second and thirdmembers together with the fourth and fifth members can be tipped by themotor means by pivotal movement as one about the pivotal mounting ofeach first member.

2. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein two sideby-side first membersare interconnected to form a frame.

3. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein there are two side-by-sidesecond members.

4. A vehicle as claimed in claim 3 wherein the two second members areinterconnected to form a frame.

5. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the third member comprises anormally substantially horizontal portion and anormally upright portion,the horizontal portion being pivotally connected at one end thereof tothe at least one second member, the bottom end of the upright portionbeing rigidly connected to the opposite end of the horizontal portion,the upright portion including means for attachment to the container.

6. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one fifth memberis formed by at least one lever pivotally connected both to the at leastone second member and to said at least one fourth member and furthercomprising variable backstop means for preventing pivotal movement ofthe at least one fifth member relative to the at least one secondmember, whereby relative pivoting of the second and third members can beprevented while moving the container on and off the vehicle.

7. A vehicle as claimed in claim 6 wherein said motor means comprises anhydraulic ram pivotally connected at one end thereof to said at leastone lever at a pivot intermediate the pivotal connections of said atleast one lever to the at least one second member and the at least onefourth member, and further comprising a subframe on which the at leastone first member is pivotally mounted, the other end of the hydraulicram being pivotally connected to the subframe.

8. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one fifth memberis formed by at least one lever pivotally connected both to the at leastone second member and to the at least one fourth member and furthercomprising at least one pair of further levers rigidly interconnectedwith each other and pivotally connected to the at least one secondmember, a first lever of each pair of said further levers beingcontrollably engageable with the at least one fifth member to preventingpivoting of the at least one fifth member relative to the at least onesecond member, and further comprising a subframe on which the at leastone first member is pivotally mounted, the other lever of each pair ofsaid further levers being engageable with the subframe, upon pivoting ofthe at least one second member, for disengaging the first lever of eachpair of levers from the at least one fifth member, whereby relativepivoting of the second and third members is prevented by engagement ofthe at least one fifth member by the first lever of each pair of saidfurther levers, while moving the container on and off the vehicle.

9. A vehicle as claimed in claim 5 wherein said upright portioncomprises first hook means at least near the upper end thereof forattachment to the container and also comprises selectively operablesecond hook means below said first hook means for attachment'to thecontainer for preventing relative movement between the container andsaid at least one third member.

10. A vehicle as claimed in claim 2 wherein said at least one fifthmember is slidably engaged in guide means of said at least one secondmember and further comprising means for controllable locking of said atleast one fifth member in either of two extreme positions in said guidemeans, to prevent relative pivoting between said second and thirdmembers.

11. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein two sideby-side firstmembers are interconnected to form a frame, wherein there are twoside-by-side second members, wherein the third member comprises anormally substantially horizontal portion and a normally uprightportion, the horizontal portion being pivotally connected at one endthereof to the at least one second member, the bottom end of the uprightportion being rigidly connected to the opposite end of the horizontalportion, the upright portion including means for attachment to thecontainer, wherein the at least one fifth member is formed by at leastone lever pivotally connected both to the at least one second member andto said at least one fourth member and further comprising variablebackstop means for preventing pivotal movement of the at least onefifth-member relative to the at least one second member, wherebyrelative pivoting of the second and third members can be prevented whilemoving the container on and off the vehicle, wherein said motor meanscomprises an hydraulic ram pivotally connected at one end thereof tosaid at least one lever at a pivot intermediate the pivotal connectionsof said at least one lever to the at least one second member and the atleast one fourth member, and further comprising a subframe on which theat least one first mem bet is pivotally mounted, the other end of thehydraulic ram being pivotally connected to the subframe.

12. A vehicle as claimed in claim 11 wherein said up right portioncomprises first hook means at least near the upper end thereof forattachment to the container and also comprises selectively operablesecond hook means below said firsthook means for attachment to thecontainer for preventing relative movement between the container andsaid at least one third member.

13. A vehicle as claimed in claim 12 wherein the two second members areinterconnected to form a frame.

14. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein two sideby-side firstmembers are interconnected to form a frame, wherein there are twoside-by-side second members, wherein the third member comprises anormally substantially horizontal portion and a normally uprightportion, the horizontal portion being pivotally connected at one endthereof to the at least one second member, the bottom end of the uprightportion being rididly connected to the opposite end of the horizontalportion, the upright portion including means for attachment to thecontainer, wherein the at least one fifth member is formed by at leastone lever pivotally connected both to the at least one second member andto the at least one fourth member and further comprising at least onepair of further levers rigidly interconnected with each other andpivotally connected to the at least one second member, a first lever ofeach pair of said further levers being controllably engageable with theat least one fifth member to prevent pivoting of the at least one fifthmember relative to the at least one second member, and furthercomprising a subframe on which the at least one first member ispivotally mounted, other lever of the each pair of said further leversbeing engageable with the subframe, upon pivoting of the at least onesecond member, for disengaging the first lever of the or each pair oflevers from the at least one fifth member, whereby relative pivoting 0fthe second and third members is prevented by engagement of the at leastone fifth member by the first lever of each pair of said further levers,while moving the container .on and off the vehicle.

17. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein two sideby-side firstmembers are interconnected to form a frame, wherein there are twoside-by-side second members, wherein the third member comprises anormally substantially horizontal portion and a normally uprightportion, the horizontal portion being pivotally con-- nected at one endthereof to the at least one second member, the bottom end of the uprightportion being rigidly connected to the opposite end of the horizontalportion, the upright portion including means for attachment to thecontainer, wherein said at least one fifth member is slidably engaged inguide means of said at least one second member and further comprisingcontrollable locking means for selectively locking said at least onefifth member in either of two extreme positions in said guide means,whereby to prevent relative pivoting between said second and thirdmembers.

18. A vehicle as claimed in claim 17, wherein said upright portioncomprises first hook means at least near the upper end thereof forattachment to the container and also comprises selectively operablesecond hook means below said first hook means for attachment to thecontainer for preventing relative movement between the container andsaid at least one third member.

1. A vehicle for transporting a container, the vehicle comprising amotorised mechanism for moving the container onto the vehicle over anyone side of the vehicle, tipping the container and moving the containeroff the vehicle over said side of the vehicle, the mechanism comprisingat least one first member pivotally mounted close to the said side ofthe vehicle; comprising at least one second member pivotally connectedto the at least one first member, comprising at least one third memberpivotally connected to the at least one second member, each third memberbeing attachable to the container for the movement of the container ontoand off the vehicle by pivotal movement of the at least one secondmember together with the at least one third member relative to the atleast one first member, comprising at least one fourth member and atleast one fifth member and comprising motor means, the at least onefourth member being pivotally connected to the at least one thirdmember, the at least one fourth member also being connected to the atleast one fifth member, the at least one fifth member in turn beingmovably attached for relative movement with the at least one secondmember such that movement of the at least one fifth member relative tothe at least one second member produced by the motor means causes lineartranslation of the at least one fourth member relative to the at leastone second member, in turnng causing inter-related pivotal motion of theat least one third member relative to the at least one second member soas to move the container relative to each second member and causinginterlocking engagement between corresponding portions of each secondmember and the container, such that the container and the first, secondand third members together with the fourth and fifth members can betipped by the motor means by pivotal movement as one about the pivotalmounting of each first member.
 2. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1wherein two side-by-side first members are interconnected to form aframe.
 3. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein there are twoside-by-side second members.
 4. A vehicle as claimed in claim 3 whereinthe two Second members are interconnected to form a frame.
 5. A vehicleas claimed in claim 1 wherein the third member comprises a normallysubstantially horizontal portion and anormally upright portion, thehorizontal portion being pivotally connected at one end thereof to theat least one second member, the bottom end of the upright portion beingrigidly connected to the opposite end of the horizontal portion, theupright portion including means for attachment to the container.
 6. Avehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one fifth member isformed by at least one lever pivotally connected both to the at leastone second member and to said at least one fourth member and furthercomprising variable backstop means for preventing pivotal movement ofthe at least one fifth member relative to the at least one secondmember, whereby relative pivoting of the second and third members can beprevented while moving the container on and off the vehicle.
 7. Avehicle as claimed in claim 6 wherein said motor means comprises anhydraulic ram pivotally connected at one end thereof to said at leastone lever at a pivot intermediate the pivotal connections of said atleast one lever to the at least one second member and the at least onefourth member, and further comprising a subframe on which the at leastone first member is pivotally mounted, the other end of the hydraulicram being pivotally connected to the subframe.
 8. A vehicle as claimedin claim 1 wherein the at least one fifth member is formed by at leastone lever pivotally connected both to the at least one second member andto the at least one fourth member and further comprising at least onepair of further levers rigidly interconnected with each other andpivotally connected to the at least one second member, a first lever ofeach pair of said further levers being controllably engageable with theat least one fifth member to preventing pivoting of the at least onefifth member relative to the at least one second member, and furthercomprising a subframe on which the at least one first member ispivotally mounted, the other lever of each pair of said further leversbeing engageable with the subframe, upon pivoting of the at least onesecond member, for disengaging the first lever of each pair of leversfrom the at least one fifth member, whereby relative pivoting of thesecond and third members is prevented by engagement of the at least onefifth member by the first lever of each pair of said further levers,while moving the container on and off the vehicle.
 9. A vehicle asclaimed in claim 5 wherein said upright portion comprises first hookmeans at least near the upper end thereof for attachment to thecontainer and also comprises selectively operable second hook meansbelow said first hook means for attachment to the container forpreventing relative movement between the container and said at least onethird member.
 10. A vehicle as claimed in claim 2 wherein said at leastone fifth member is slidably engaged in guide means of said at least onesecond member and further comprising means for controllable locking ofsaid at least one fifth member in either of two extreme positions insaid guide means, to prevent relative pivoting between said second andthird members.
 11. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein twoside-by-side first members are interconnected to form a frame, whereinthere are two side-by-side second members, wherein the third membercomprises a normally substantially horizontal portion and a normallyupright portion, the horizontal portion being pivotally connected at oneend thereof to the at least one second member, the bottom end of theupright portion being rigidly connected to the opposite end of thehorizontal portion, the upright portion including means for attachmentto the container, wherein the at least one fifth member is formed by atleast one lever pivotally connected both to the at least one secondmember and to said at least one fourth member and further comprisingvariable Backstop means for preventing pivotal movement of the at leastone fifth member relative to the at least one second member, wherebyrelative pivoting of the second and third members can be prevented whilemoving the container on and off the vehicle, wherein said motor meanscomprises an hydraulic ram pivotally connected at one end thereof tosaid at least one lever at a pivot intermediate the pivotal connectionsof said at least one lever to the at least one second member and the atleast one fourth member, and further comprising a subframe on which theat least one first member is pivotally mounted, the other end of thehydraulic ram being pivotally connected to the subframe.
 12. A vehicleas claimed in claim 11 wherein said upright portion comprises first hookmeans at least near the upper end thereof for attachment to thecontainer and also comprises selectively operable second hook meansbelow said first hook means for attachment to the container forpreventing relative movement between the container and said at least onethird member.
 13. A vehicle as claimed in claim 12 wherein the twosecond members are interconnected to form a frame.
 14. A vehicle asclaimed in claim 1, wherein two side-by-side first members areinterconnected to form a frame, wherein there are two side-by-sidesecond members, wherein the third member comprises a normallysubstantially horizontal portion and a normally upright portion, thehorizontal portion being pivotally connected at one end thereof to theat least one second member, the bottom end of the upright portion beingrididly connected to the opposite end of the horizontal portion, theupright portion including means for attachment to the container, whereinthe at least one fifth member is formed by at least one lever pivotallyconnected both to the at least one second member and to the at least onefourth member and further comprising at least one pair of further leversrigidly interconnected with each other and pivotally connected to the atleast one second member, a first lever of each pair of said furtherlevers being controllably engageable with the at least one fifth memberto prevent pivoting of the at least one fifth member relative to the atleast one second member, and further comprising a subframe on which theat least one first member is pivotally mounted, other lever of the eachpair of said further levers being engageable with the subframe, uponpivoting of the at least one second member, for disengaging the firstlever of the or each pair of levers from the at least one fifth member,whereby relative pivoting of the second and third members is preventedby engagement of the at least one fifth member by the first lever ofeach pair of said further levers, while moving the container on and offthe vehicle.
 15. A vehicle as claimed in claim 4, wherein said uprightportion comprises first hook means at least near the upper end thereofattachment to the container and also comprises selectively operablesecond hook means below said first hook means for attachment to thecontainer for preventing relative movement between the container andsaid at least one third member.
 16. A vehicle as claimed in claim 15,wherein the two second members are interconnected to form a frame.
 17. Avehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein two side-by-side first membersare interconnected to form a frame, wherein there are two side-by-sidesecond members, wherein the third member comprises a normallysubstantially horizontal portion and a normally upright portion, thehorizontal portion being pivotally connected at one end thereof to theat least one second member, the bottom end of the upright portion beingrigidly connected to the opposite end of the horizontal portion, theupright portion including means for attachment to the container, whereinsaid at least one fifth member is slidably engaged in guide means ofsaid at least one second member and further comprising controllablelocking means for selectively locking said at least onE fifth member ineither of two extreme positions in said guide means, whereby to preventrelative pivoting between said second and third members.
 18. A vehicleas claimed in claim 17, wherein said upright portion comprises firsthook means at least near the upper end thereof for attachment to thecontainer and also comprises selectively operable second hook meansbelow said first hook means for attachment to the container forpreventing relative movement between the container and said at least onethird member.